Round 8 Preview – State League Men’s
This weekend sees a slightly easier game for the inform team of the competition, University of NSW as they face the last placed FC Gazy Auburn, however, those around don’t have the luxury.
League leaders, Bankstown United FC were under some pressure last weekend and they will have a tricky fixture away against Wagga City Wanderers. The Camden Tigers FC also have a tough task in the form of Prospect United, while the last fixture of the round is a Hurstville Derby.
University of NSW vs FC Gazy Auburn
It looks as though three points is a certainty for University of NSW this weekend, based on their current form and the lack of form FC Gazy Auburn have shown since the beginning of the season.
UNSW FC will be playing for a fifth straight victory, a feat that will has seen them rise from a mediocre middle table position into title contention. They have played some big clubs over the past few weeks as well, which is why this game seems very winnable, but in saying that it also tosses up the potential of an unexpected slip up.
It is hard to suggest what sort of FC Gazy will show up on Saturday. They have scored just six times and have conceded 18 goals in just seven games. On paper, they look like a car sat on the grid without wheels, however, they may have equipped a new engine and could shock University of NSW of the line.
Wagga City Wanderers vs Bankstown United FC
The feeling around the Wagga City camp has been very dejected over the past month, however, last weekend they managed to scrape together a point against a strong Hurstville FC and that left them positive with a string of home games to come, starting against Bankstown United FC.
As we know Bankstown have been flawless over the past month, but defeat to University of NSW last weekend has certainly thrown a spanner in the works. It could see them fall into a rut, and facing a confident Wagga City side plays into that possibility.
Unlike last weekend, if Bankstown failed to collect all three points they could be gobbled up by the plethora of clubs lurking below, while the Wanderers could move above the Western Condors FC into eighth depending on results.
Camden Tigers FC vs Prospect United
This tie is certainly a mouth-watering one. Camden Tigers are arguably the best attacking team in the competition, while Prospect United have been one of the most consistent teams over the course of May.
Camden Tigers were forced to miss a game due to weather, but managed a convincing victory against the Condors last weekend, while Prospect United also returned serve after a loss with a solid win against Hurstville City Minotaurs.
What could play out? Well, as we mentioned a little earlier, if Bankstown failed to win the winner of this match could surpass (Camden) or go on level points with the league leaders. However, a draw could hurt given how close the teams from first to seventh are situated.
Western Condors FC vs Nepean FC
Western Condors FC surprised many with back-to-back wins, but they were beaten heavily by Camden last weekend, however, according to Tigers coach, Dean Bradley, there is plenty of quality throughout that squad. Could they record three wins in four matches against Nepean FC?
The problem with that is the that Nepean produced a very strong performance after their first loss of the campaign. Regardless of the three points, the reinstallation of confidence that submerged Nepean’s squad after that result puts them in a healthy spot ahead of Sunday’s match.
For Condors, a victory would go a very long way. From toiling with the bottom dwellers for most of the season, three points could put them within one point of Hurstville City Minotaurs just six back from the top. Nepean are just four points adrift heading into this match so there is no need to explain the importance of this fixture.
Hurstville FC vs Hurstville City Minotaurs
This is the first time both Hurstville clubs have met this season, and boy, have they had a roller coaster of a ride thus far. Both teams have led the competition, and both have been experiencing in a decline due to a lack of taking chances.
The perfect solution would be a Hurstville Derby no doubt. As we know, when derbies come around the table really goes out the window, it’s all about bragging rights and everything that comes with that is just a bonus. In this case three points is a crucial bonus given both sides are beginning to slide away from the leaders.
The home side, Hurstville FC, are four points behind Bankstown FC, while the Minotaurs are five points back. Obviously, wins would be very beneficial, but a draw or loss would not be so helpful. University of NSW are red hot, Nepean and Camden have a game in hand and the leaders are playing FC Gazy.
Victory is the only option in the Hurstville Derby.
-By Jake O’Brien
